The Official E-Zine of the
Utah Association of Geocachers
Issue 7 -- December 2005
Table of Contents
What the Heck is an Earthcache?
Regular Features
UTAG Home
Magnet Safety
by Minerals44
We all like those magnetic micros and nanos. Did you know magnets can be a health hazard? As if worrying about hornets, legless critters, sunburn, skin cancer, airport security and West Nile Virus weren’t enough. Do we have to worry about magnets now? Give me a break!
Seriously, I bought some neodymium magnets over the web from K&J Magnetics. They are nice folks and gave me permission to reproduce their magnet safety information in our newsletter. Read and remember ...
“The neodymium magnets we sell are extremely strong, and must be handled with care to avoid personal injury and damage to the magnets. Fingers and other body parts can get severely pinched between two attracting magnets. Neodymium magnets are brittle, and can peel, crack or shatter if allowed to slam together. Eye protection should be worn when handling these magnets, because shattering magnets can launch pieces at great speeds.
“The strong magnetic fields of neodymium magnets can also damage magnetic media such as floppy disks, credit cards, magnetic I.D. cards, cassette tapes, video tapes or other such devices. They can also damage televisions, VCRs, computer monitors and other CRT displays. Never place neodymium magnets near electronic appliances.
“Children should not be allowed to handle neodymium magnets as they can be dangerous. Small magnets pose a choking hazard and should never be swallowed or inserted into any part of the body.
“Never allow neodymium magnets near a person with a pacemaker or similar medical aid. The strong magnetic fields of the magnet can affect the operation of such devices.
“Neodymium magnets are brittle and prone to chipping and cracking. They do not take kindly to machining.
“Neodymium magnets will lose their magnetic properties if heated above 175° F (80° C).
“Neodymium magnets should never be burned, as burning them will create toxic fumes.
“Like any tool or toy, neodymium magnets can be fun and useful, but must always be treated with care. “
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